Black History Month: Amy Sherald
In my Black History Month blog post series, some of you have discovered new-to-you artists. But I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of this person. Let’s talk about:
If you don’t know Amy Sherald’s name, you almost certainly have seen her work: she painted First Lady Michelle Obama’s official portrait. The painting was so popular, when the National Portrait Gallery put it on display in 2018, the portrait had to be moved to a bigger room just to accommodate the crowds that came view it.
Before this happened, I found Sherald’s work on Instagram and DM’d with her a couple times. This gives me the irrational desire to yell “I knew about her first!” when other people gush over Sherald’s work.
Amy Sherald, “Freeing Herself Was One Thing, Taking Ownership of that Freed Self Was Another.” Photo creditf: Hauser & Wirth
I don’t have a favorite piece, but this one comes close. It references one of the most poignant lines in the novel Beloved, by Toni Morrison. (I profiled the literary giant earlier this month.) So many reasons to love Sherald’s work, but here are just a few:
She paints in the grisaille style specifically because she wants you to look at the person and see more than their skin color or a set of pre-conceived notions about Black people
Her subjects are quiet, but clearly Thinking About Things
I recognize some of the subjects from a Library of Congress photo collection I love
Sherald’s backstory is pretty impressive too: years working as a restaurant server, a four-year hiatus from art during which she cared for ill relatives, and surviving a heart transplant. But now she’s here and thriving. With massive style, I might add.
Check back in tomorrow for the next inspiring artist.
On my Christmas wish list
You don’t have to give me every artwork in this video for Christmas. I’m not greedy.
Whichever one you choose from my wish list, it’ll be the star of this wall. It’s 11.09 feet (3.38 meters high) by 9.12 feet (2.78 meters wide). So easy to fill!
Lemme help you out with a few more suggested presents:
Bisa Butler discusses “Three Kings” at Pulse Miami, 2018
“Three Kings” is only one of many breath-taking art quilts created by Bisa Butler. If her gallery’s already sold this piece, I would also accept “Zouave.” (Both are probably spoken for, but it never hurts to ask.)
“Saint Woman” (detail) by Amy Sherald, from “In This Imperfect Present Moment” at Seattle Art Museum
“Saint Woman” by Amy Sherald belongs to the Seattle Art Museum, but maybe you could acquire another portrait. “Freeing Herself Was One Thing, Taking Ownership of that Freed Self Was Another” might be available. If we position it properly, I’m sure we could fit two more pieces next to this one.
Textile work by Basil Kincaid at Design Miami, 2019 (from Mindy Solomon Gallery website)
Either one of these Basil Kincaid quilts would be amazing: “Celeste” on the left, or “Take Me Home” on the right. Again, I probably have room for both. Surprise me.
Liz Tran, “Ornament 14” at Morton Fine Art
But you know what would really wake up that wall space? A salon-style wall of paintings by Liz Tran. The biggest one available at Morton Fine Art is only four by four feet — plenty of room for six more circular paintings. Done! I’ll take a break from blogging to hang them up properly, and then I’ll be back January 8th. Happy holidays!
The serious business of play (dates)
I call them "play dates" but I'm serious about experiencing art with my artist friends.
Artist Rachel Setzer, shown in profile with "Naida, the Proud Princess" by Edward S. Curtis
Rachel Setzer and I took in "Double Exposure" at the Seattle Art Museum recently. She understands my love of tintypes, daguerreotypes and other old-fashioned photo technology, so Will Wilson's prints were a big draw for both of us.
You can see the cooperation between photographer and portrait sitter, which has a different vibe compared to Edward S. Curtis' documents of a 'vanishing' people. However, the Curtis photos far outnumber the contemporary work.
Will Wilson, "Talking Tintype, Andy Everson, Artist, Citizen of the K'ómoks First Nation"
The exhibit is more of a Curtis survey with a few living, Northwest Native artists added for local color (pun intended). I think Rachel and I found the exhibit aesthetically pleasing, but still a let-down. Fortunately, Amy Sherald's work is just around the corner.
Amy Sherald, "Saint Woman"
It's on view as part of "In This Imperfect Present Moment," an exhibit of 15 contemporary artists whose work local art collectors are lending to SAM. Valencia Carroll and I visited the show for some in-person inspiration. After gawping over Amy Sherald's painting, I also found another favorite by Lawrence Lemoana. His banner prompted me to see a disturbingly familiar parallel between Dave Meinert in Seattle and Jacob Zuma of South Africa.
Bottom line: if I'm going to venture out of the studio...
Genevieve Gaignard, "Trailblazer (A Dream Deferred)"
geeking out over Genevieve Gaignard's photography with friends makes it worth the effort.